H1N1 Flu Vaccine: What you need to know

• WHO can get the H1N1 influenza vaccine?

A small amount of 20,000 doses of flu vaccine for King County arrived this past week for immunization of health-care workers. Health-care providers are a priority group for vaccination, as they are at high risk for infection and could put vulnerable patients at risk.

The larger amounts of vaccine that are needed to begin broader scale vaccination for people who are at higher risk for H1N1 are projected to begin arriving in mid-October with new shipments weekly.

The larger shipments of vaccine will be available for people at higher risk of H1N1 influenza as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old (560,000 people countywide)

People ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for severe H1N1 because of chronic health conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or brain/nervous system disorders) or weakened immune systems (264,000 people)

Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel (because they are at high risk for infection and to protect their patients from infection). (79,000 people)

People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age (20,000 people)

Pregnant women (16,000 people)

Vaccine availability will be opened up to everyone who wants it as soon as supplies are sufficient to cover demand in risk groups.

• WHAT kind of vaccine will be available?

There are two types of H1N1 flu vaccine:

1. The injectable “flu shot” is given with a needle, usually in the arm. There are different formulations and dosing for the shot.

2. Nasal-spray flu vaccine (FluMist) is a weakened live-virus vaccine that can be given to healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant, including household contacts of most people who are at high risk for serious complications from the flu.

Seasonal flu vaccine protects against three strains of seasonal influenza virus that may circulate this fall and winter. Seasonal flu vaccine is separate from the H1N1 influenza vaccine and is widely available from pharmacies and some healthcare providers now. Seasonal flu vaccine also comes in injectable and nasal-spray forms. People in high risk groups for seasonal flu strains (such as seniors) and anyone who wants it should get both H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines so that they are fully protected.

• WHERE will H1N1 vaccine be available?

As larger amounts of vaccine become available, starting in mid-October, it will be initially prioritized for use by medical providers but will also be available through multiple channels in the community, so that it will be as easy as possible for people throughout the community to get protection. More information will be forthcoming as vaccine becomes available for public distribution, including on Public Health’s website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1

Channels for receiving vaccine will include:

From regular health care providers – such as pediatricians, family practice doctors and obstetricians.

Pharmacies and other commercial vendors – like seasonal flu, most major pharmacy chains will offer H1N1 vaccine to the public.

Community vaccination clinics – Public Health will offer public vaccination clinics at community sites, such as community centers, Public Health Centers and at schools after hours. These clinics will be focused on vaccinating people who have limited or no access to the health care system.

Employers of health care and emergency medical services personnel will provide vaccine to their employees who provide patient care.

• WHEN will H1N1 influenza vaccine be available?

An initial, limited supply of 20,000 doses will arrive next week. These first doses will be nasal-spray flu vaccine (FluMist®) and will be given to healthcare providers who meet the criteria for FluMist® use (i.e., healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant).

In mid-October, larger shipments of vaccine are expected to begin to arrive weekly and will be available for people at higher risk of H1N1 influenza as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Vaccine availability will be opened up to everyone who wants it as soon as supplies are sufficient to cover demand in risk groups.

Keep updated on the availability of vaccine by frequently checking the Public Health H1N1 Influenza website: www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 or the Flu Hotline, 877-903-5464, 24 hours/day (English and Spanish).